IGP sent on compulsory leave

• C.D. Wickremeratne as Acting IGP

Following the appointment of C.D. Wickremeratne as Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Pujith Jayasundera has been sent on compulsory leave, sources said.  

It was reported that the Law and Order Ministry had ordered the IGP be sent on compulsory leave.   

Following the Easter Sunday attacks on April 21, President Maithripala Sirisena requested IGP Pujith Jayasundera and Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando to tender their resignations on April 24, owing to failure in preventing the terror attacks despite prior warnings. 

Although the Defence Secretary stepped down, IGP Jayasundera rejected the President’s request and remained in the post. Against this backdrop, there would be an inquiry into the actions taken by the IGP, sources said. 

However, it is learnt that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and several ministers had also informed the IGP to resign. 

Meanwhile, the committee appointed by the President to probe Easter Sunday attacks had summoned the IGP last Friday to record a statement. Sources said the inquiry would be initiated after the committee submitted its report within two weeks. 

Pujith Jayasundara was appointed as the Inspector General of Police on April 20, 2016 after the Constitutional Council approved his appointment.   

• PM and several ministers have informed the IGP to resign